No.2 Sportsground

City Of Newcastle installed a 20.16 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the No.2 Sportsground, Newcastle West. The system, which brings the total amount of solar PV installed on Council-owned buildings to 350kW, is estimated to generate 30,000 kWh of energy per year. This energy will be used to offset grid-generated electricity used by the building and during sporting events.

The 64-panel system was installed after it was identified as a priority site to reduce peak capacity charges. The system is anticipated to save Council over $16,000 annually in electricity and peak capacity charges. The system was ‘switched on’ on 14 November 2015.

To further reduce costs a 10.98 kWh battery storage system was installed in May 2016. The battery storage will help capture excess solar generation during the day to power some of the stadium lighting into the evening. It was installed through a collaboration with local businesses Solar Power Australia, Batrium Technologies and SwitchDin.

The solar PV system will reduce Council’s exposure to rising electricity prices while helping to meet its goal of having 30% of Council’s electricity generated from low-carbon sources by 2020.

Quick Facts

System size

20.16 kW

Location

Newcastle West

Total project cost

$36,000

Date system switched on

2015

Payback

2.2 years

Internal rate of return

45%

Solar generated electricity

30,000 kWh pa

Grid consumption reduction

35% pa *

Energy and peak capacity savings

$16,400 pa

* At the time that the system was completed.

Technology

Solar panel type

Monocrystalline

Number of panels

64

Panel efficiency

≥ 19.2%

Panel wattage

315W

To find out more contact Energy & Resource Management in the Projects & Contracts Unit on 02 4974 2000.